What Is Concrete Vibration? Is It Normal For Concrete To Vibrate?

What Is Concrete Vibration?

Concrete vibration is the process of crushing and compressing the concrete to eliminate air pockets and other imperfections, thus maintaining a uniform density.

It ensures the concrete sets in its preferred state and that the construct will be structurally sound.

This technique is used to achieve smooth finishes and uniformity throughout a construction project, while also preventing cracking and any other structural flaws which can weaken a building’s structural integrity over time.

The vibrations are usually achieved through mechanical shakers that create high frequency vibrations, or with vibrators inserted directly into wet concrete for more precise coverage.

How Is Concrete Vibration Done?

Concrete vibration is done through the use of a vibrator, which can be either an electric or pneumatic vibrator.

• The vibrator is inserted into wet concrete, and when activated its motion creates vibration in the surrounding area.
• This vibration helps move the mixture around, filling any voids and pushing air bubbles to the surface so as to strengthen the finished product.
• Proper concrete vibration ensures a denser product with fewer cracks or crevices. Vibration also eliminates most honeycombing and segregation while accelerating strength gain and providing uniformity throughout the poured area.

Is It Normal For Concrete To Vibrate?

Yes, it is normal for concrete to vibrate. Concrete has natural elasticity, or the ability to deform under pressure and then return to its original shape when released.

This means that any force applied on it, such as an earthquake or heavy machinery, will cause it to vibrate.

As vibrations travel through the hardened concrete structure, they can create cracks in the material which leads to further damage and a weakened infrastructure over time.

This is why contractors are required to take extra steps such as reinforcing steel bars and vibration dampers in order to prevent premature structural failure due to vibrations.

What Happens When You Vibrate Concrete Too Much?

Vibrating concrete during installation can cause the cement paste to consolidate, eliminating air bubbles and improving the homogeneity of the mix.

However, if the vibration is done too vigorously or for too long, it can have an adverse effect on the finished product.

Over-vibration can leave behind separation lines in the surface of the concrete, often referred to as honeycombing.

It can also weaken the bond between aggregate particles and cement paste due to excessive consolidation, potentially reducing strength and other properties such as abrasion resistance and shrinkage behavior.

How Much Should You Vibrate Concrete?

When it comes to vibrating concrete, it is important to get the right amount to ensure a good pour.

The amount of vibration needed will depend on factors such as the workability of the mix, the size and shape of formwork, and slump conditions.

Generally speaking, you should use enough vibration to settle the concrete within a few seconds without creating internal segregation or promoting bleeding, average rate of no more than 3 inches per second.

This can be achieved by using a reliable motorized vibrator with an appropriately sized tip that sufficiently penetrates and consolidates all areas of the concrete without causing too much disruption; adjustable frequency vibrators are especially useful for fine tuning if required.

It should also be noted that time constraints may limit how much vibration can be applied, depending on the type of project.

What Causes Vibration In Concrete Slab?

Vibration in concrete slabs can be caused by a wide range of sources. It can be caused by activities such as walking, running or machinery on the concrete slab, seismic events and even wind-induced vibration.

Depending on the source of the vibration, it may create different types of stresses and deformations within the slab itself.

Heavy traffic or machines may cause an entire section of the slab to deflect laterally, leading to cracking and spalling.

Additionally, vibration from external sources such as pile drivers, high speed trains or seismic activity can cause small localized vibrations that could result in cracks along joints or around penetrations if left unchecked for extended periods of time.